The book of classic board games

Published by Klutz Press in 1991, The Book of Classic Board Games was designed to make ancient and traditional tabletop strategy games accessible to a new generation of hobbyists. Sid Sackson, a renowned game designer and collector, curated a selection of timeless titles including Nine Men's Morris, Backgammon, and various historical race games. The publication was characteristic of the Klutz approach, featuring a functional design that included the necessary playing pieces stored within the spine or cover, successfully merging literature with practical gameplay.

The book received positive attention for its educational value and its success in preserving games that had long existed in the public domain. By presenting these games with clear, simplified rules and a durable, kid-friendly physical format, Sackson and the Klutz editorial team aimed to strip away the intimidating barrier of complex rulebooks. It remains a staple of casual gaming collections, valued for its ability to teach the foundations of strategy through its approachable presentation of historical mechanics.